The highly anticipated Marvel's Blade reboot has faced numerous setbacks, fueling speculation about its eventual release. However, recent developments offer a renewed sense of optimism.
Five years after its initial announcement, the film remains unreleased, leading to considerable criticism of Marvel's handling of the production. Yet, hope persists. Will Blade finally make it to the big screen?
Following a string of negative updates, the project is experiencing a positive shift. The Hollywood Reporter states that production isn't halting, and a significant change is underway: the film, initially conceived as a period piece, will now be set in the present day. While plot specifics remain undisclosed, a script rewrite is planned for the summer, concurrent with the search for a new director.
Recent reports suggested the project had returned to the drawing board due to dissatisfaction among key figures, disappointing fans. However, the ongoing script revisions, aiming for completion by summer's end, along with the search for a new director following Yann Demange's departure, inject fresh hope. These changes could, however, drastically alter the storyline.
The original vision, a 1920s period piece centering on Blade's daughter, featured Mia Goth as Lilith, a vampire antagonist targeting the daughter. The comic book Lilith has two iterations: Dracula's daughter and the demonic Mother of Demons, neither definitively confirmed for the film. The modern setting shift will likely necessitate substantial narrative adjustments.
Directorial changes, according to sources, stemmed from perceived mismatches between directors and the project's vision. Bassam Tariq's departure exemplifies this. Star Mahershala Ali, provided with a directorial list by Marvel, undertook his own search for the ideal fit, focusing on filmmakers lacking major studio experience – a challenging undertaking. Ali's commitment to making the reboot "his Black Panther" explains his unwavering involvement. Mia Goth remains attached, though her role's status is unclear. Delroy Lindo and Aaron Pierre, however, are no longer part of the production, having left following the 2023 actors' and writers' strike. The current release date of November 7, 2025, remains tentative.
The Blade reboot is currently scheduled for release on November 7, 2025.
